Brendan Whittaker

Brendan Whittaker, a former Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, retired Episcopalian minister, and a dedicated tree farmer, has spent the 60 years nurturing his woodland in Brunswick, VT.

After moving to the area in 1959 with a forestry degree, Brendan and his wife, Dorothy, purchased their property with a GI Bill loan.

Initially cut over, Brendan transformed the land into a thriving forest, guided by the principle, “Leave the best and cut the rest.” Over the years, his Tree Farm grew from 50 to 67 acres, with Brendan and his sons handling most of the forest management activities themselves.

For Brendan, the Tree Farm program is more than a land management tool—it’s a community. He values the knowledge-sharing and camaraderie among Tree Farmers, encouraging new members to connect, learn, and grow together.

Brendan’s Perspective on the Future:

• Carbon sequestration could attract the next generation to Tree Farming

• The program unites people across backgrounds and beliefs through a shared commitment to stewardship.